Thinking about ways to go green at work? Wanting more recognition for the things you’re already doing to be sustainable? You should become an Austin Green Business Leader! More than 65 area businesses have been recognized by the City of Austin for their efforts to make sustainability a key part of day-to-day operations. By resolving to go green, these companies are helping protect the environment, saving money, and making Austin a more livable place.

 

Wondering what’s involved? To get started, go to www.austintexas.gov/greenbusiness and download the scorecard. Then follow these simple steps to greening your business:

 

Want an easy 10 points on your scorecard? Try this:

• Put computers on automatic sleep mode and discontinue using screen savers.

• Cancel catalogs and junk mail subscriptions – go to austin.catalogchoice.org for help.

• Supply employees with recycle bins at their desks.

• Order products that are recycled or refurbished and use little packaging.

• Use 100% post-consumer recycled printer paper and at least 30% post-consumer recycled paper products.

• Use power strips for computers and printers that can be turned off when you leave.

 

Now that you’ve got the ball rolling, follow these steps for 16 more points on your scorecard:

• Take advantage of teleconferencing for meetings and webinars for training – avoid trips in the car for meetings or classes.

• Keep indoor temperatures between 66-70 in winter and 74-78 during the summer.

• Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient lighting (LEDs and compact fluorescents) and set up timers for lighting.

• Reduce hot water usage by posting reminders to employees at sinks.

• Purchase local food and art for your business to reduce impacts to the environment associated with transporting items over long distances.

 

Ready for more? It only takes 4 actions to earn 12 more points for your Green Business:

• Complete the Austin Water 3C Business Challenge (www.austintexas.gov/department/3c-business-challenge-commit-calculate-conserve) and commit to a 10% water usage reduction.

• Install a shower or subsidize a nearby gym for those employees that ride their bike to work.

• Eliminate free or subsidized parking to encourage employees to use public transportation or bike to work.

• Use a water efficient irrigation system.

 

If your business completes all of these actions, you’ve achieved the Silver level of recognition (complete only 17 more points to get to Gold!).

 

Still find that your stuck? Need help with the scorecard? Give us a call – we’ll meet with your team to talk you through it.

 

Join the club of Austin Green Business Leaders – because green business is good business.

 

Marc Coudert, marc.coudert@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2016

 

Mary K. Priddy, mary.priddy@austintexas.gov or 512-974-2539